GPS Tracking Systems can Locate Lost Pets
Dogs and cats are often considered part of the family. So it is a devastating event when one wanders away or falls victim to theft.
For that reason, some consumers are investing in GPS tracking and locating systems for their pets. Owners say GPS tracking locators give them peace of mind that their pets are safe. In the instance that a much-loved dog or cat does go missing, GPS tracking serves as an easy and immediate plan for recovery.
How Fido Gets Found
The same type of vehicle tracking technology widely used by organizations and people to track their vehicles and other important assets, has been adapted for animals. Most GPS tracking systems for pets combine the technologies of GPS tracking from satellites with either GSM cellular networks or RFID (radio frequency) signals. That is because the GPS tracking unit worn by a dog must serve dual duty: receive position coordinates from satellites in space; and, once an exact location is determined, transmit that location data to a network where it can be read by the owner over a mobile phone or on a computer.
Some models send out text messages or emails to a pre-assigned phone or computer if the pet happens to travel outside an assigned safe boundary zone (geo-tracking).
An alternative is a GPS tracking device that is only pinged or prompted for location by special request. Once the pet is missing, the user can call a main call center and the device is then activated and the call center dispatch will give directions to the pet or the location is texted to cell phone or computer.
Some GPS tracking devices are designed specifically for hunters. Dogs get a transmitter that is attached to collar or harness. The hunter wears a GPS tracking unit as well and he carries a special mapping handheld that will “show” the hunter’s location and the dog’s location and give directions to the animal.
Failings of GPS Pet Trackers
GPS pet tracking systems seem fun; and are probably a temptation to buy. But the consumer should do research, which might reveal some shortcomings of GPS pet tracking systems:
- Expense: There are not a lot of choices of GPS tracking products on the market for pet locating, and those that are available can be expensive. The average price is $150 to $250; plus they carry a monthly fee for live tracking service. An under-the-skin ID chip or even a collar ID tag are just as suitable methods for recovering a wandering pet, and they are much less expensive. The only scenario where a GPS tracking device makes sense for pets is a case of dog napping or theft.
- Power Limits: GPS tracking for pets must be lightweight, so the tradeoff is power. Batteries wear out fast. Even though many GPS tracking systems for dogs and cats have rechargeable batteries, some sets last just 48 hours. It is a big responsibility for a pet owner to remember to recharge the unit that frequently. When pets are lost they are often gone for more than 48 hours. When batteries fail, electronic communication fails.
- Weight: Some GPS tracking systems for pets are heavy or rather cumbersome to wear on the collar. Certain devices require that the animal have a certain weight limit. Yorkies and many miniature animals, which are a favorite for pet thieves because they are often docile and easily portable, often weigh much less than 11 pounds. Also animals do not like foreign objects placed around their necks.
- Weather: As everyone knows, pets spend long periods of time outside. And outside, a sensitive electronic device is at the mercy of the elements: wind, rain, snow, mud, ponds, sand, etc. It’s extremely difficult to find a GPS tracking device rugged enough for an active house pet or a hunting dog.
GPS tracking systems for your pet are a novel consumer product. This version of vehicle tracking would give certain animal lovers peace of mind that their beloved dog or cat is safe at home. But few of the tens of thousands of animals that go missing each year are actually stolen. Most stray animals are runaways. The far majority of people who find a stray pet have every intention of returning it. Simple ID tags are a less expensive and far more practical method of return.
About GPS and LandAirSea Systems
The Global Positioning System is a set of 24 strategically-placed satellites. GPS was originally built and exclusively used by the U.S. Department of Defense. It was made available to the public free of charge in 1983, but was not fully operational until a decade later, in 1993.
LandAirSea Systems has been a leading provider of vehicle tracking technologies since 1994. Its biggest-selling passive vehicle tracking devices are the GPS Tracking Key and the GPS Tracking Key Pro®. Its popular and compact real-time vehicle tracking system is the Victoria GPS Tracking System.
Tags: family, Fido, GPS Tracking, Pet
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February 20th, 2010 at 11:47 am
The GPS was created because the chip is useless if the animal won’t go to someone who can take in to a vet and scan. We found most people never heard about the chip or what it is. The only time you hear of one is if you adopt from a shelter. We’ve had a cat missing almost a year, with some sightings but no luck at trapping. I wish we had known about a GPS for him. He has a chip and tags.
August 16th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
I would like to have a GPS device that is located under-the-skin like the chip. If you wanted to keep up with your pet, in the case he got off the chain you would pay the monthly fee for the GPS under-skin-locater. I would like information on a device like this.